Hardcover: 272 Pages
Publisher: Egmont USA
"This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie's life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget."
Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can't she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below-dead?
As Maggie's memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?
One Moment was an incredible novel. Despite being a contemporary novel, I enjoyed every second of of it. Even though the story was a bit predictable (not that much though), the characters were anything but. McBride does an amazing job in describing things in a way that you can almost imagine you being in there with them, furthermore she shows us that one single moment, can really change everything.
The plot: I can't say that One Moment wasn't predictable but some things did take me by surprise. But I do have to mention that the author mentions one character's actions a lot and then it was almost obvious that she had more to do with the story. But I thought that the story itself was beautiful and more importantly, beautifully written. It shows us the different stages and different reactions of grief. One Moment would really suit people going through someone's loss.
The characters: The characters were obviously flawed and yet likeable. But what I enjoyed most about the characters was that they were all really realistic. Maggie was a great main character. And McBride really has a way of showing us what she is feeling, so that we can relate to it.
One Moment may be one of the most heart-wrenching novels I have ever read. But it teaches us so many things about life and loss. Sad novels aren't mostly my thing but I couldn't not have enjoyed this one. I recommend McBride's novel to anyone who is going through something similar and all contemporary fans out there will certainly love this book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Egmont USA for giving me this review copy in exchange of an honest review.
Kristina McBride, a former English teacher and yearbook advisor, dreamed of being a published author since she was a child and lived across the street from a library. Kristina has published two novels for young adults - The Tension of Opposites (May 2010) and One Moment (June 2012). She lives in Ohio with her husband and two young children. Website / Twitter
I think for me this one was just TOO predictable. But I'm with you - it was an amazingly poignant exploration of grief and of overcoming that grief! I liked it a lot, just didn't love it as I was hoping I would. And I felt like the end was way too rushed.
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